ISLAMABAD: Emerging judoka Shah Hussain Shah is optimistic about showing brilliant performances in upcoming national and international events.

Shah Hussain Shah, who claimed silver medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 and who is based in Japan, is on a seven-day visit to his home country, Pakistan.

On Tuesday, Pakistan Judo Federation and Pakistan Sports Board gave him a reception at the Pakistan Sports Complex here for winning the medal.

“Right now, I’m at world number 58 and if I manage to participate in more games before commencement of qualifying round for the Olympics, I can qualify for the 2016 Rio Games,” he told Dawn on the sidelines of the ceremony.

“Only top 32 players participate in the Olympics but as I mentioned earlier, I have chances to qualify for it if I play more matches,” he said.

He, however, said he was focusing on showing improved performance at Grands Prix to be held in Turkey in July, Asian Judo Championship to be held in Kuwait in May-June and World Championship in Dubai besides some other events.

“I have been practising with three coaches in Japan. I hope I will show remarkable performance in upcoming events,” he added.

Shah Hussain Shah is a son of Pakistan’s former Olympic boxer Hussain Shah who had won bronze medal for Pakistan at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.

Hussain Shah and his wife were also accompanying their son on the occasion.

“From the very beginning, the Judo Federation is cooperating with us, which is a good sign for betterment of judo. I hope my son will perform better in future events,” the former Olympian said.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Judo Federation president retired Col Rana Shujjat Ali said: “I hope Shah Hussain Shah will qualify for Olympic Games as he will be given maximum number of matches to improve his ranking.”

He said the federation was providing maximum chances to players for training purpose.

“We have taken various initiatives for the development of judo. Currently, our camp is in process in Peshawar under the supervision of a qualified Iranian coach,” he said.

“Like Shah Hussain Shah, we have another brilliant player Wajahat Sarwar, who belongs to Gujranwala. He is getting training from Japan and we pin high hopes on these young players,” he said.

Shujjat further said arrangements were also being made to start National Women Judo Championship.

At the end, he appreciated the role of Pakistan Sports Board for its cooperation.

PSB senior official Chaudhry Salamat Ali also spoke on the occasion and assured the Judo Federation that the PSB will continue its cooperation with it.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2015

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